The removal of wisdom teeth can be a complicated and uncomfortable procedure. When it it is all over, many often want to get back to normal life and start eating their favorite foods again. And that includes sushi
So, the question on those who just had their wisdom tooth removed is – can I eat sushi?
The answer is NO, you should not consume sushi immediately after the removal of your wisdom tooth. In fact, it is not recommended to eat solid food 24 to 48 hours after the surgery to avoid any possible damage or infection to the surgical area. Rushing to get back to your normal diet can lead to severe complications if you fail to allow your gums to heal fully from the operation.
Approximately 5 to 10 days after your surgery, have a go at softer options such as hand rolls and sushi rolls with cooked fish. If you feel comfortable and are able to chew, you may reintroduce sashimi and other variety of sushi back into your diet.
However, within the first two weeks of your surgery, you should avoid sticky rice or crunchy food such as ebi tempura as they might get stuck in the wound area. In some situations, it leads to dry socket, a condition where the blood clot that is formed after the removal of your wisdom tooth is dislodged from the socket. When this happens, the bone and nerves are exposed, causing serious discomfort. The pain is intensified if the empty socket becomes inflamed by food particles trapped in the hole.
Last but not least, everyone undergoes the recovery process at a different rate. As such, it is imperative for you to listen to your body – if something feels too uncomfortable to eat, it is best to avoid it until you are fully healed.
What Can One Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
After the removal of your wisdom tooth, it is important to follow the advice of your oral surgeon to ensure a fast and healthy recovery. In general, your first few days of diet would involve soft or liquid food. Some examples of foods that you may be able to eat after wisdom teeth removal include:
- Fresh Smoothies
- Soups and canned broths (such as pureed vegetable or chicken noodle soup)
- Applesauce
- Yogurt and pudding
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Cooked vegetables (such as pureed or mashed carrots or peas)
- Cooked grains (such as rice or oatmeal)
- Soft-cooked pasta
More importantly, avoid food that irritate the extraction site and increases the risk of an infection. This includes:
- Hard or crunchy food such as popcorn and legumes.
- Spicy or acidic food such as hot sauce and citrus fruits site
- Sticky or gooey food such as taffy or cameral
- Carbonated beverages such as soda
- Bread such as toast and muffins
- Tobacco products
As you begin to feel better, you can gradually introduce more solid foods into your diet. Most people can get back to their normal diet within the first three weeks of their post-surgery.
Removing Food Stuck in Empty Socket
For those who just had their wisdom tooth removed, having food stuck in the empty socket is a common problem. This can cause discomfort and slow down the recovery process if the food particles is not promptly removed. Fortunately, there any many ways one can get rid of this pesky problem without having to resort to professional dental help:
- Firstly, gargle and rinse the area with water to loosen any food particles that are trapped.
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to gently brush the area.
- If food is still stuck, use a dental floss to try and dislodge any food particles that are stuck. Be sure to be gentle to avoid causing any irritation to the surround tissue.
- Use a water flosser or syringe to flush out any food particles. Do not apply the jet of water directly on the surgical area.
- If the food particle is still stuck and cannot be removed or if you are experiencing excessive pain, contact your local dental clinic for further assistance.
All in all, one should avoid the consumption of solid food immediately after their wisdom tooth surgery, and that includes sushi. While it can be a real challenge to give up on your favorite sushi, it is necessary to avoid lengthening the healing process of your gum.
